Creating innovators of the future through inventions of the past

Profile of MOAH

The Beginning

MOAH was founded in 1990 by Frank Livermore, pictured at left. Frank began collecting in 1960. As his collection grew, he encountered other collectors with similar interests, and eventually this group became the nucleus of the Museum's founding group. Frank was active in Museum affairs until his death in 2000. The Museum occupied two previous sites in Palo Alto before settling in its current location.

MOAH's purpose

We combine elements of history, technology and design to illustrate the evolution of technology, how and why it has influenced society from inception to the current time, and a glimpse of future expectations.

Exhibits, classes, lectures and family-friendly events appeal to students of all ages, with many MOAH classes providing middle school students hands-on learning opportunities not readily available elsewhere.


MOAH's Objectives: honoring founder Frank Livermore's contributions and legacy to the community.

Collect, preserve and display historic objects and inventions that illustrate the effects and influence of innovation.

Provide educational activities that integrate history, technology and design

Show the evolution, influence and relevance of historic innovations to the technologies and society of the past and present.

Establish self-confidence with science and applied mathematics through the use of guided, hands-on experimentation to teach technical concepts.

Honor the contributions of local individuals, organizations and industries to technological history.

Present private collections not otherwise available to the public.

Provide a stimulating social and professional venue for volunteers to serve the community
Rotating Exhibits

MOAH presents three special exhibits during the year, selected to highlight significant subject areas employing 19th and 20th century technologies.
Selected items from the MOAH collection are presented in the Collection Corner, also on a rotating basis.

Permanent Exhibits

Kitchen of the 1920s - 30s
Early 20th Century General Store
Print shop of the 1920s - 30s
Radio Repair shop of the 1940s
Historic gardens undergoing restoration and preservation

Museum Funding

The museum is a private non-profit organization that is supported solely by memberships, donations, and grants.
Attendance

From 1992 through 2001 the museum had an average of 12,000 visitors per year.

Tours

Group tours are available by appointment. Please see the Education section of this website for more information on our group tours.

Back To Top Call us at 650 321 1004 This page last updated: July 28, 2005.
Original content: Copyright © 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 Museum of American Heritage.